Jim Mandich Q&A

Former Dolphins tight end Jim Mandich, who broadcasts games for WQAM (560-AM), answers readers' questions in Sun-Sentinel.com's weekly Q&A sessions with former Dolphins.

Q: How can Cam Cameron ignore a serious flaw such as an inept secondary and do nothing about it? There isn't a cornerback in camp that can defend the pass! Joe Bush, Fort Lauderdale, FL

A: "What do you want him to do? He's playing the best he's got. You can't fix all the Dolphins problems overnight. Cam Cameron has inherited a mess and it will take a couple of drafts and off-seasons to get the Dolphins back to where they want to be."

Q: I know its too early to talk draft but when your team starts like this, that's the only positive that comes from this situation. So if the Dolphins have the chance to draft a quarterback, do they take him or do they pass considering they already have John Beck? Wayne, Miramar, FL

A: "They take a good, long look at John Beck this year. They're going to like what they see. In the draft they go with the best big man available, defense or offense."

Q: I am 41 years old and have been a devoted Dolphins fan since I was nine. I have to say this is by far the worst team I have ever seen. Besides Ronnie Brown, who was our last first-round pick to amount to anything? Half of them arent even in the league anymore. Randy Mueller is a fraud. This is the worst team in the history of the franchise. Any thoughts? Todd David Neal, Shippensburg, PA

A: "It's a mess. Tough to blame our state of affairs on Randy Mueller. A series of bad drafts and bad deals got us here. Randy Mueller's not to blame. The last two years, Nick Saban was running everything. This is Randy's first year making the personnel decisions. Don't judge Ted Ginn or Lorenzo Booker after five games. Randy is regarded as one of the better general manager's in the NFL."

Q: We can't rely on our defense for a win, we have to play to our strength. We had the ball at their 38 with a 2nd and 6. Why in the world did Cam call 2 pass plays? Ronnie was running strong as ever. If we don't gain the six yards in 2 plays then we at least take time off, get closer, or make Houston take their timeouts. It's easy to blame the defensive collapse but knowing our strengths and weaknesses, wouldn't you agree that Cam blew it with the play calling? Albin, Ormond Beach, FL

A: "I think we should have given Ronnie Brown the ball to set up a field goal. He put too much pressure on Cleo Lemon. I am all for the giving the ball to my big, stud running back when the game is on the line. Ronnie Brown has emerged as our best offensive player, by far."

Q: Mad Dig-a-dee Dog!!!! I know he has never been a head coach before, but Cam Cameron makes dumb decisions. He mismanaged the clock before the half in the Redskins game, gave the Jets a short field before the half in New York, and gets conservative and punts instead of kicking the winning field goal in Houston. We were 0-4, go for the win. I think with him calling the plays on offense AND trying to manage the situational decisions of a football game is too much for him to handle right now, don't you agree? Chris Stacy, Lake Worth, FL

A: "He's a rookie head coach in the NFL. He's learning on the job. He is the best man to be calling the plays. I know it's tough to ask Dolphin fans to be patient but this organization needs stability. I believe that Cam Cameron and Randy Mueller are the right men to get this thing back to where it needs to be. Cut Cam some slack. What coach should be judged after five games?"

Q: Is now the time to give John Beck the ball? It seems Cleo Lemon is only a backup at best and might as well find out if Beck can play so the team can determine how to draft next year. Dennis Green, West Orange, NJ

A: "Cleo Lemon threw a terrible interception, took a sack he shouldn't have and showed the jittery nerves of an inexperienced QB at the end when they blitzed. But I'm starting him at Cleveland, versus the Pats and in London. After that, it's John Beck's ball. Beck is 26 years old and this team desperately needs a quarterback. They drafted him for a reason and let's see if he has the goods. I'm excited about John Beck. My toes will be tingling when he gets the call."

Q: Should Travis Johnson of the Texans be given a one-game suspension for his gross disregard for an injured player? Jimbo, Davie, FL

A: "No. It was an in-the-moment crazy, completely natural reaction. That's just the game of football. However, I did vehemently disagree with the statement that Johnson made in the locker room about the play. It was totally uncalled for."

Q: Why did the Dolphins not try a field goal from 56 yards with 1:51 left in the game. Houston did try and made two from that distance and the Dolphins should have the better kicker. Chris Viamontes, Miami, FL

A: "I would have had Jay Feely out there kicking a 56-yarder. Why not go against rational thinking and percentages when you are 0-4 and have nothing to lose? If you're going to lose, go down swinging. Let's at least give us a chance to win the game."

Q: Why is it that the Dolphins coaching staff absolutely refuses to allow the defense to apply pressure by loading the line? Even when the other team is 3rd and 17. It's always resulting in the quarterback getting too much time and connecting for a first down. Armand Myara, Parkland, FL

A: "It's been a combination of littler or no pressure and loose coverage. I don't think that it's the schemes, it's the lack of talent and a combination of injuries as well. Concern [now] is where's your pass rush and where's your pass defense at the end of the game."

Jim Mandich can be heard weekdays at 2 p.m. on 560-WQAM, and every Sunday on Dolphins broadcasts, and on the Web at wqam.com.

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